Learn about the difference between the CC and Horse Power

By, 2017-03-02

If you are setting with your friends discussing the horse power of the new M5 from BMW, or how big the new Ford Expedition engine is, and you feel you want to share information but you cannot because you have no idea what a horse power is, or what the engine size is, then you need this article!

Here are some information about the CC and the horse power, I will talk more about what they can be used to infer when published as part of specifications of an engine.

What is an engine CC?

The ‘Cubic Capacity’ measured in Cubic Centimetres indicates the pumping capacity of the engine as a whole, all cylinders included. It also indicates how large (and heavy) the engine would be as well as it’s dynamic response with the knowledge of the materials used in the moving parts. For example, if a car is 2000 CC and has 6 cylinders, then each cylinder is 333.3 cubic centimetre.

In some countries such as the United Kingdom, it is additionally used to determine the road tax value based on a coarse classification.

What is an engine Horse Power?

The horsepower is a unit of power (1 horse power = 746 watts as well) and usually the peak power is referred to when talking about it. Peak power is an indicator of the performance capability of the vehicle as well as the maximum speed it can achieve.

For automotive enthusiasts, hp/liters of CC is the best indicator of the engine technology concerning its performance. For acceleration capability, hp/tons of vehicle mass is a popular measurement.

The fuel economy is measured in a totally different way. The fuel economy is a complicated metric which is very hard to conclude based on just these two values, CC & HP.

Hope this made sense. Share your opinion!